U. S. Scott #805 - Used - Graded Good

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

805

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1938

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #805 (Used – Single Stamp)
Martha Washington – 1½¢ Brown, 1938 Presidential Series

?️ Design Overview
Issued as part of the 1938 “Prexies” (Presidential Series), this 1½¢ brown stamp honors Martha Washington, the first First Lady of the United States and the only woman featured in the series. Rendered in a left-facing engraved portrait, she is presented with dignity and clarity against a clean brown backdrop. The denomination was typically used for third-class and bulk rate postage.

This example is used, has no visible cancel, and no gum (standard for used stamps), and has never been hinged.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (77)
Margins are relatively even, with the top and right sides being slightly tighter but well clear of the design.
The image is centered enough to meet Fine/Very Fine criteria under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 77

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: No gum – expected for used stamp (✅ Not a fault)
Identified Faults:
Major Fault: Several faulty/clipped/pulled/short perfs, especially along the right and lower edges
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, Fine/Very Fine centering with a Major Fault results in a grade of Good (30–34). This implies a 45-point deduction.
? Soundness Deduction: –45
? Adjusted Base Grade: 32

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforations: Multiple issues present, including clipped or shortened perforation tips. These materially affect the stamp's soundness.
Margins: Narrow at the top and right, but the design remains unaffected. Balance is preserved.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color Strong brown tone, evenly printed
Cancel No visible cancel — rare and highly desirable
Balance Balanced framing, though impacted by perf faults
Freshness Clean and bright surface and paper
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5
(Used stamp with no cancel and strong presentation)

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Centering Grade 77
Soundness Deduction –45
Subtotal 32
Eye Appeal Adjustment +5
Final Grade 37 ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 805
Format Single Stamp
Condition Used, No Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness Major Fault (Multiple perf issues)
Eye Appeal No cancel, strong color and clarity (+5)
Final Grade 37 (Good) ✅

? Final Verdict
This used Scott #805 Martha Washington stamp delivers impressive visual clarity and freshness for a used example, with no cancellation mark, enhancing both desirability and aesthetic impact. However, significant perforation flaws lower the soundness grade considerably. The final result is a Good 37, a solid choice for collectors prioritizing face quality and historical significance over condition perfection.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (673)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions